U.S. patent application number 13/833789 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for gooseneck hitch ball.
The applicant listed for this patent is CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Jacob S. Belinky, Lynn H. Mida.
Application Number | 20140265252 13/833789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51524164 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140265252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mida; Lynn H. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Gooseneck Hitch Ball
Abstract
A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include
a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking
member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also
include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member,
the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking
member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first
direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position,
and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second
release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member,
where positioning the second release mechanism in a second
direction positions the locking member in the disengaged
position.
Inventors: |
Mida; Lynn H.; (Chelsea,
MI) ; Belinky; Jacob S.; (Carleton, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. |
Plymouth |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51524164 |
Appl. No.: |
13/833789 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/06 20130101; B60D
1/54 20130101; B60D 1/488 20130101; B60D 1/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/512 |
International
Class: |
B60D 1/06 20060101
B60D001/06 |
Claims
1. A hitch ball comprising: a ball member; a body extending from
the ball member; a locking member in communication with the body; a
first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first
release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member,
wherein positioning the first release mechanism in an first
direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position;
and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second
release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member,
wherein positioning the second release mechanism in a second
direction positions the locking member in the disengaged
position.
2. The hitch ball of claim 1, wherein the first release mechanism
includes a handle positioned within the ball member.
3. The hitch ball of claim 1, wherein the second release mechanism
includes a handle engaged with the body axially spaced from the
ball member.
4. The hitch ball of claim 1, both of the ball member and body are
configured for insertion into a socket.
5. The hitch ball of claim 1, wherein the first and second
directions are a same direction.
6. The hitch ball of claim 1, further comprising a plunger, the
plunger in operative engagement with the locking member.
7. The hitch ball of claim 6, wherein the second release mechanism
is operatively engaged with the plunger.
8. The hitch ball of claim 6, wherein the second release mechanism
includes a handle selectively engageable with either of the plunger
or the body.
9. A hitch ball assembly comprising: a socket; a ball member
insertable within the socket; a body extending from the ball
member, the body insertable within the socket; a release mechanism;
and a locking member in operative communication with the release
mechanism, the release mechanism accessible from both of the ball
member and body, wherein the release member positions the locking
member from a first position engaged with the socket and a second
position disengaged from the socket.
10. The hitch ball assembly of claim 9, further comprising an
engaging device positioned with the socket, wherein the locking
mechanism engages the engaging device in the first position.
11. The hitch ball assembly of claim 10, wherein the engaging
device includes a generally annular groove positioned in the
socket.
12. The hitch ball assembly of claim 10, wherein the engaging
device includes first and second annular grooves positioned in the
socket, the first and second annular grooves axially spaced
apart.
13. The hitch ball assembly of claim 9, wherein the release
mechanism is operatively engaged with the ball member and the
body.
14. The hitch ball assembly of claim 9, wherein the release
mechanism is accessible to a user when the ball member inserted
into the socket.
15. The hitch ball assembly of claim 9, wherein the release
mechanism is biased in a locked position whereby the locking member
is in the first position.
16. The hitch ball assembly of claim 9, further comprising a first
handle operatively engaged with the release mechanism, the first
handle positioned in the ball member.
17. The hitch ball assembly of claim 16, further comprising a
second handle operatively engaged with the release mechanism, the
second handle positioned in the body axially spaced from the first
handle.
18. The hitch ball assembly of claim 17, wherein the second handle
is accessible when the ball member extends downward into the
socket.
19. A hitch ball comprising: a ball member configured for insertion
into a socket of a hitch assembly; a body extending from the ball
member, the body configured for insertion into the socket of the
hitch assembly; and a locking member located in the body, the
locking member moveable between a first engaged position and a
second disengaged position, wherein the locking member in the first
position locks the ball member in both upright and inverted
positions in the socket.
20. The hitch ball of claim 19, further comprising a release
mechanism in operative communication with the locking member, the
release mechanism positionable between a first position moving the
locking member to the first engaged position to a second position
moving the locking member to the second disengaged position.
21. The hitch ball of claim 20, further comprising first and second
handles operatively coupled with the release mechanism.
22. The hitch ball of claim 21, wherein the first handle is
positioned in the ball member and the second handle is positioned
in the body.
23. The hitch ball of claim 22, wherein the second handle includes
a pin member attached with the body opposite the ball member.
24. The hitch ball of claim 22, wherein the second handle includes
a handle pivotally attached with the body opposite the ball
member.
25. The hitch ball of claim 22, wherein the release mechanism
includes a plunger whereby the second handle includes a pin member
attached with the plunger opposite the ball member.
26. The hitch ball of claim 22, wherein the release mechanism
includes a plunger whereby the second handle includes a handle
member selectively attachable to the plunger opposite the ball
member.
27. The hitch ball of claim 22, wherein the second handle includes
a handle member selectively attachable to the body opposite the
ball member.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This application relates to a hitch ball and more
particularly to a self-contained storable and removable gooseneck
hitch ball assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods,
merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. Often such
vehicles are arranged to tow a trailer by attaching the trailer to
the towing vehicle, such as through the use of a hitch assembly.
Typically, a trailer hitch is utilized to connect a towed vehicle
or trailer to a towing vehicle, such as a truck, for example.
[0003] There are many different types of trailer hitches in the art
that may be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways,
depending on the type of hitch. Some of the most common types of
hitches include gooseneck, fifth wheel, rear mount, and the like.
Frequently, trailers are connected to a towing vehicle by way of a
ball hitch secured to the towing vehicle and a ball socket coupling
mechanism on the towed vehicle that mounts over the ball. This
configuration allows for the trailer to pivot behind the towing
vehicle.
[0004] Ball and socket-type towing mechanisms are used to tow
various vehicles, such as trailers, mobile homes, other
non-operating vehicles, and the like. The socket to hitch ball
connection allows relative movement between the towing vehicle and
the trailer as the towing vehicle makes turns, traverses uneven or
rough terrain, and passes along inclining and declining
roadways.
[0005] The hitch ball or member of some hitches, such as gooseneck
hitch, for example, is commonly mounted in the bed of a towing
vehicle, such as a pickup truck, near the longitudinal centerline
of the bed. This may allow the weight of the trailer to be
generally distributed between the tires on the two sides of the
pickup truck. Typically, a sub-frame assembly, such as a hitch, is
secured to the towing vehicle. The ball member is attached or
otherwise secured to the hitch for use in towing the towed
vehicle.
[0006] This type of hitch is often secured to the truck structure
in an opening cut in the bed of the truck, so that a substantial
portion of the hitch attachment is located below the bed of the
truck. In addition, the ball member may typically be removed to
ensure that the use of the bed is not substantially hindered by the
presence of the ball.
[0007] These systems, however, suffer from many disadvantages. It
is often very difficult to remove the hitch ball from the hitch
system. In many systems, removing the hitch ball requires a user to
access the frame of the towing vehicle under the load bed. This is
often very difficult and time consuming. Further, still other
systems require users to access portions of the system in the wheel
well or under the frame of the vehicle. Again, this is often
difficult to do and can be very messy for the user. Similarly,
other systems often require the use of a separate handle or
mechanism to remove the hitch ball. These handles or other
mechanism are often inaccessible or otherwise are lost by the user
making it very inconvenient to use.
[0008] Once removed a suitable location for the hitch ball is often
difficult to find. Many users merely store the hitch ball in a
glove compartment, behind a seat, underneath a seat, or in a
storage box within the towing vehicle. This takes away from the
available storage space within the towing vehicle. Moreover, the
hitch ball may be dirty and it may be undesirable to put such hitch
ball inside the towing vehicle. For those systems that utilize
storable hitch balls, there is often a lack of sufficient clearance
available to use such systems with many of the new towing vehicle,
especially when they are in the stowed position.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved hitch ball
system. There is a need for a hitch ball that is easily removable
and easily storable. There is a need for such storage to be
efficient, easily accessible, and appropriately located so as to
not take away the available storage within the interior of the
towing vehicle. Further still, there is a need for a self-contained
hitch ball storage system that has a compact storable profile.
SUMMARY
[0010] A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may
include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a
locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may
also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball
member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the
locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an
first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged
position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body,
the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking
member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second
direction positions the locking member in the disengaged
position.
[0011] A hitch ball assembly may include a socket, a ball member
insertable within the socket, and a body extending from the ball
member, the body insertable within the socket. The hitch ball
assembly may also include a release mechanism, and a locking member
in operative communication with the release mechanism, the release
mechanism accessible from both of the ball member and body, where
the release member positions the locking member from a first
position engaged with the socket and a second position disengaged
from the socket.
[0012] A hitch ball may include a ball member configured for
insertion into a socket of a hitch assembly, and a body extending
from the ball member, the body configured for insertion into the
socket of the hitch assembly. The hitch ball may also include a
locking member located in the body, the locking member moveable
between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position,
where the locking member in the first position locks the ball
member in both upright and inverted positions in the socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Operation of the invention may be better understood by
reference to the following detailed description taken in connection
with the following illustrations, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reversible hitch ball
assembly in an operative position in a load bed of a towing
vehicle.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
in stored and locked positions.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
being released from the locked position while in the stored
position.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a second cross sectional view of the hitch ball
assembly being in the stored and locked positions.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the hitch ball
assembly being released from the locked position while in the
stored position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
being released from the locked position while in the operative
position.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
in the locked and operative positions.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of embodiments of a hitch
ball assembly in stored and locked positions.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 8 being released from the locked position while in the
stored position.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 8 being released from the locked position while in an
operative position.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a second cross-sectional view of the hitch ball
assembly of FIG. 8 being released from the locked while in the
operative position.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 8 in the locked and operative positions.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of embodiments of a hitch
ball assembly in locked and stored positions with a handle being
engaged.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 13 in the locked and stored positions.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view of the hitch ball
assembly of FIG. 13 in the locked and stored positions.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of embodiments of a hitch
ball assembly in locked and stored positions.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 16 being released from the locked position while in the
stored position.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 16 being released from the locked position while in an
operative position.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 16 in the locked and operative positions.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of embodiments of a hitch
ball assembly being released from a locked position while in a
stored position.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 20 being released from the locked position while in the
stored position.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 20 in the locked and stored positions.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a second cross-sectional view of the hitch ball
assembly of FIG. 20 being released from the locked position while
in the stored position.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 20 being released from the locked position while in an
operative position.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the hitch ball assembly
of FIG. 20 being in the locked and operative positions.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a side view of the hitch ball assembly of FIG. 2
in the operative and locked positions.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a side view of the hitch ball assembly of FIG. 2
in the stored and locked positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood
that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and
functional changes may be made without departing from the
respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the
various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing
from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description
is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in
any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made
to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0042] The hitch ball assembly 100 may be selectively secured to a
hitch receiver 102, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a
gooseneck hitch assembly, secured to a towing vehicle 104. The
hitch ball assembly 100 may be secured to and removed from the
hitch receiver 102 of the towing vehicle 104 as described below.
Further, a towed vehicle coupler assembly (not shown), such as by
way of a non-limiting example, a gooseneck coupler, may be
selectively secured to the hitch ball assembly 100 in any
appropriate manner.
[0043] Moreover, while the present hitch ball assembly 100 may be
described in the context of towing assemblies in association with a
vehicle or trailer, however, it will be appreciated that the hitch
ball assembly 100 may be used in any variety of contexts, and, as
such, any reference to towing assemblies or use with trailer and
vehicles is illustrative in nature and not restrictive in any way.
In addition, the description of the embodiments provided may refer
to the use of specific options or materials; however, this should
not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Those skilled in
the art will understand that the above descriptions should only be
taken as illustrative
[0044] A hitch ball assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 1 operatively
secured to a load bed 108 of the towing vehicle 104. The hitch ball
assembly 100 may be selectively positioned from a storable
position, such as shown in FIGS. 2-5 to an operative position as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-7. The hitch ball assembly 100 being in the
storage position may result in the load bed 108 of the towing
vehicle 104 being generally free from obstruction. The hitch ball
assembly 100 being in the operative position may permit operative
engage of a coupler assembly, such as by way of a non-limiting
example, a gooseneck coupler of a towed vehicle to be operatively
attached thereto.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the hitch ball assembly 100 may be
removably secured to the hitch receiver 102 on the towing vehicle
104 in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example,
the hitch ball assembly 100 may be selectively secured to a hitch
receiver as shown and described as being part of an under bed
gooseneck hitch mounting system shown and described in U.S. Patent
Application Serial Number 20100109285, which is hereby incorporated
by reference. In such embodiments, the hitch ball assembly 100 may
be insertable into a hitch ball socket 112 of the under bed hitch
mounting system as described in more detail below.
[0046] The hitch ball assembly 100 may include a ball member 116
and a body 120. The ball member 116 may be shaped to receive a
corresponding socket (not shown) of a towed vehicle, such as a
gooseneck coupler. It is to be understood that the ball member 116
may be of any appropriate or conventional shape and size in the
towing field. In some embodiments, the ball member 116 may be a
separate component from the body 120 that may be attached thereto
through any appropriate manner, including, without limitation,
fastening, adhering or welding. In other embodiments, the ball
member 116 may be formed with the body 120 as a monolithic member,
including, without limitation, by casting therewith.
[0047] The body 120 may include an insert portion 124, which may be
attached as a separate component or may be formed as a monolithic
member. The insert portion 124 may be of any appropriate shape or
size, such as being shaped for insertion into the hitch ball socket
112. Although illustrated as substantially cylindrical in shape, it
is to be understood that the insert portion 124 may be shaped to
accommodate any type and shape of hitch ball socket 112.
[0048] The hitch ball socket 112 may include an upper aperture 128
and a lower aperture 132 relative to the load bed 104 of the towing
vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the upper and lower apertures
128, 132 may extend entirely through the hitch ball socket 112. The
hitch ball socket 112 may further include an inner portion 136 that
generally extends between the upper and lower apertures 128, 132.
The inner portion 136 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such
as a curved or rounded shape, for example. The inner portion 136
may include a groove 140 of any appropriate shape formed therein.
By way of a non-limiting example, the groove 140 may be a generally
annular groove formed therein. The present teachings, however, are
not limited to an annular groove. The groove 140 may be a plurality
of notches formed around the circumference of the inner portion
136. The notches may be formed at predetermined angles, such as
every 90 degrees along the inner portion 136.
[0049] The insert portion 124 may also include a cavity 144. The
cavity 144 may be positioned at any appropriate location within the
insert portion 124. The cavity 144 may be of any appropriate shape
or size, such as a cylindrical shape, by way of a non-limiting
example. The insert portion 124 may also include at least one
aperture, such as a pair of apertures 148 shown in FIGS. 4-7. The
apertures 148 may be located in any appropriate position on the
insert portion 124, such as by way of a non-limiting example, the
apertures 148 may be located within the groove 140 when the hitch
ball assembly 100 is inserted into the hitch ball socket 112
regardless of whether in the operative or stowed position. The
apertures 148 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a
cylindrical shape, for example.
[0050] The hitch ball assembly 100 may further include a passageway
152. The passageway 152 may be of any appropriate shape or size,
such as a cylindrical shape, for example. The passageway 152 may
extend through the ball member 116 and body 120 into the cavity 144
within the insert portion 124. The passageway 152, apertures 148
and cavity 144 may be formed monolithically with the body 120 and
ball member 116, such as through casting, or may be formed therein
through a subsequent operation.
[0051] Further, the hitch ball assembly 100 may include a lip 153
in operative communication with and position between the passageway
152 and cavity 144. In some embodiments, the lip 153 may form part
of the passageway 152. The lip 153 may be formed with either or
both of the cavity 144 and the passageway 152 in any appropriate
manner.
[0052] The hitch ball assembly 100 may also include a plunger 156
of any appropriate shape and made of any appropriate material,
including, without limitation rubber, plastics, metal or a
combination of such. The plunger 156 may be located within the
cavity 144 of the insert portion 124. The plunger 156 may be of any
appropriate shape or size. The plunger 156 may include a generally
annular slot 157 formed therein. The annular slot 157 may generally
extend around a circumference of the plunger 156. The plunger 156
may also include end portions 158, 159 axially positioned apart
from one another.
[0053] The hitch ball assembly 100 may also include an elongated
member 160 positioned within the ball member 116, body 120 and
insert portion 124. The elongated member 160 may be of any
appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape,
by way of a non-limiting example. The elongated member 160 may
include a first end 168 and a second end 172. The second end 172
may be connected to the plunger 156 in any appropriate manner. In
some embodiments, the elongated member 160 may be formed with the
plunger 156 as a monolithic member. In other embodiments, the
elongated member 160 may be attached with the plunger 156 through a
subsequent operation.
[0054] The hitch ball assembly 100 may further include a locking
member 174 of any appropriate configuration. The locking member 174
may be configured to engage with the hitch ball socket 112 or more
particularly the groove 140 formed therein to engage generally lock
the hitch ball assembly 100 within the hitch ball socket 112. In
some embodiments, the locking member 174 may include a pair of ball
bearings 176 operatively engaged with the apertures 148 of the
insert portion 124. In such embodiments, the ball bearings 176 may
be of a shape and size that they may extend into and outward from
the apertures 148. The ball bearings 176 may extend outward of the
apertures 148 and into the groove 140. The engagement of the ball
bearings 176 and the groove 140 may generally prevent removal of
the hitch ball assembly 100 from the hitch ball socket 112. The
ball bearings 176 may further extend within the apertures 148
generally releasing the ball bearings 176 from engagement with the
groove 140, or more specifically, within the annular slot 157. The
hitch ball assembly 100 may then be released from the hitch ball
socket 112. While two ball bearings 176 and two apertures 148 are
shown, any number of such may be used without departing from the
present teachings. By way of a non-limiting example, three ball
bearings 176 and three apertures 148 may be utilized.
[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 26-27, the hitch ball
assembly 100 may also include a head or handle 180. The handle 180
may be provided to allow a user to selectively adjust the hitch
ball assembly 100 between the locked and unlocked positions as
described in more detail below. The handle 180 may be of any
appropriate configuration, including, without limitation of a
shaped and size to allow the user to easily grip the handle 180. In
some embodiments, the handle 180 may be attached to the first end
168 of the elongated member 160 by any appropriate means, such as
through welding, using adhesives or a fastener. By way of a
non-limiting example, the first end 168 of the elongated member 160
may be attached with the handle 180 such as through a roll pin
184.
[0056] The ball member 116 may also include a recess 188 and an
upper surface 192. The recess 188 may be provided in the ball
member 116 so that when the hitch ball assembly 100 is in the
locked position, the handle 188 may be generally flush with (or
positioned below) the upper surface 192 of the ball member 116.
This may allow the ball member 116 to remain engageable with
coupler arrangement. Moreover, the handle 180 fitting within the
recess 188 may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the ball
member 116. The ball member 116 may also include an additional
groove 194 formed therein. The groove 194 to facilitate easy access
to the handle 180. The grooves 194 may be shaped and sized to allow
fingers of the user to appropriately access the handle 180 during
operation of the hitch ball assembly 100.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the hitch ball assembly 100 may
include a biasing member 196. The biasing member 196 may be of any
appropriate configuration, such as a spring or more specifically a
coil spring, by way of a non-limiting example. The biasing member
196 may be positioned along the elongated member 160, or more
specifically, the biasing member 196 may generally circumscribe the
elongated member 160. The biasing member 196 may be positioned
between the plunger 156 and the lip 157. The biasing member 196 may
urge the plunger 156 toward the locking members 174 and may urge
the handle 180 into the recess 188. Such a configuration may ensure
that while the hitch assembly 100 is in the locked position the
handle 180 may not interfere with the connection to the coupler
arrangement of the towed vehicle.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the body 120 may include a second
handle 200. The second handle 200 may be attached to and positioned
in proximity to a bottom portion 202 of the body 120 and within the
cavity 144. The second handle 200 may be adjacent to the plunger
156 when the hitch ball assembly 100 is in the locked position. The
second handle 200 may be of any appropriate construction. The
second handle 200 may be of a configuration that allows a user to
operatively position the plunger 156 from the locked position to
the unlocked position, i.e., the second handle 200 is of a
configuration to allow a user access to the plunger 156 in order to
overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing member 196 to
move the plunger to the unlocked position from the locked position.
The second handle 200 may include a pin 206 attached with the
bottom portion 202 of the body 120. The pin 206 may be attached
with the body 120 in any appropriate manner, such as by way of
non-limiting examples, through fastening, welding, adhesives or a
press fit.
[0059] In operation, the passageway 152 and cavity 144 may allow
the elongated member 160 and the plunger 156 to be selectively
engaged with the locking members 174 between a locked position, as
shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, and a released or unlocked position as
shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. In the locked position, the ball member
116 may extend upward into the load bed 104 of the towing vehicle
108. The plunger 156 may engage the locking members 174 to push the
locking members 174 outwardly into the groove 140 of the body via
the apertures 148. In turn, the locking members 147 may engage, for
example, the inner portion 136 of the hitch ball socket 112 to
prevent the hitch ball assembly 100 from being removed from the
hitch ball socket 112. More specifically, the locking members 147
may engage a top or bottom portion 210, 214, as applicable, to
prevent the hitch ball assembly 100 from being removed from the
hitch ball socket 112. Such a configuration may ensure that the
hitch ball assembly 100 remains in the locked position to prevent
disconnection from the hitch ball socket 112.
[0060] In the released or unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 3,
5, and 6, the handle 180 may be withdrawn upwardly from the recess
188 so that the plunger 156 may disengage from the locking members
174. Accordingly, the locking members 174 may disengage from the
hitch ball socket 112, or more specifically from the groove 140,
and return toward the center of the inner portion 136. In the
released position, the handle 180 may protrude above the upper
surface 192 of the ball member 116 to prevent a socket member (not
shown) from being connected thereto. Further, the handle 180 may be
rotated approximately 90 degrees, which may result in the handle
180 engaging with the upper surface 192. This may result in the
hitch ball assembly 100 remaining in the unlocked or disengaged
position so that the user need not continue to hold the handle 180
in the disengaged or unlocked position.
[0061] Once in the released potion shown in FIG. 6, the hitch ball
assembly 100 may be removed from the hitch ball socket 112. The
hitch ball assembly 100 may be inverted 180 degrees so that the
ball member 116 may extend down toward the hitch ball socket 112
and the load bed 104. The hitch ball assembly 100 with the ball
member 116 positioned downward may be inserted into the hitch ball
socket 112. Upon insertion, the body 120 and ball member 116 may
extend entirely below and within the hitch ball socket 112 below
the load bed 104. Once inserted, the plunger 156 may engage the
locking members 174 to push the locking members 174 outwardly into
the groove 140 of the body via the apertures 148. In turn, the
locking members 147 may engage, for example, the inner portion 136
of the hitch ball socket 112 to prevent the hitch ball assembly 100
from being removed from the hitch ball socket 112. More
specifically, the locking members 147 may engage a top or bottom
portion 210, 214, as applicable, to prevent the hitch ball assembly
100 from being removed from the hitch ball socket 112. This may
ensure that the hitch ball assembly 100 with the body 120 and ball
member 116 remain in the locked position to prevent disconnection
from the hitch ball socket 112.
[0062] Further, the body 120 may be generally cylindrical in shape.
Typical hitch balls include a flange member adapted to rest on the
hitch ball socket. The body 120 of the present teachings, however,
does not include this flange. The lack of this flange permits the
hitch ball assembly 100 to be insertable into the hitch ball socket
112 in both of the stowed and operative positions as shown in FIGS.
2-7. Instead of a flange, the hitch ball socket 112 may include a
bottom wall 218 axially displaced from the lead bed 104 of the
towing vehicle 108. In such embodiments, the body 120 of the hitch
ball assembly 100 may include a top shoulder 222. The top shoulder
222 may generally be aligned with the hitch ball socket 112 when
the hitch ball assembly 100 is in the operative position. When the
hitch ball assembly 100 is positioned to the stowed position, the
top shoulder 222 may engage the bottom wall 218. The engagement
between the top shoulder 222 and the bottom wall 218 may generally
prevent the hitch ball assembly 100 from moving past and through
the lower aperture 132 of the hitch ball socket 112. This
construction, therefore, may obviate the need for the flange of
other hitch balls.
[0063] Similarly, when the hitch ball assembly 100 is in the
operative position as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the bottom portion 202 of
the insert portion may engage the bottom wall 218. This engagement
of the bottom portion 202 with the bottom wall 218 may generally
prevent the hitch ball assembly 100 from moving past and through
the lower aperture 132 of the hitch ball socket 112.
[0064] When the hitch ball assembly 100 is in the stowed position,
the user may insert his or her finger into the cavity 144 in the
body 120 and grasp or otherwise engage the second handle 200. As
shown in the drawings, the user may insert his or her finger into
the opening and grasp the pin 206. As the user inserts his or her
finger, the user may depress the plunger 156 in a downward
direction toward the ball member 116. As the plunger 156 moves
downward, the plunger 156 may disengage from the locking members
174. The locking members 174 may disengage from the hitch ball
socket 112, or more specifically from the groove 140, and return
toward the center of the inner portion 136. The user may then pull
the pin 206 in an axial direction away from the load bed 104 and
lift the hitch ball assembly 100 out of the hitch ball socket 112.
Further, the second handle 200 may be rotated approximately 90
degrees, which may result in the handle 180 engaging with the upper
surface 192. This may result in the hitch ball assembly 100
remaining in the unlocked or disengaged position so that the user
need not continue to hold the second handle 200 in the disengaged
or unlocked position.
[0065] Additional embodiments of a hitch ball assembly according
the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all
of the details and components may not be fully described or shown.
Rather, the features or components are described and, in some
instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be
pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these
additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized
in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described.
Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely
exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should
be appreciated that the features, components, elements and
functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or
altered to achieve a desired hitch ball assembly without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, a hitch ball assembly 300 may have a
construction generally similar to that of the hitch ball assembly
100. The hitch ball assembly 300 may include a ball member 316 and
a body 320. The ball member 316 may be shaped to receive a
corresponding socket (not shown) of a towed vehicle, such as a
gooseneck coupler. The body 320 may include an insert portion 324
of any appropriate shape or size, such as being shaped for
insertion into a hitch ball socket 312, as shown in FIGS. 8-12.
[0067] The hitch ball socket 312 may include an inner portion 336
that may have a pair of retaining grooves 341 of any appropriate
shape formed therein. By way of a non-limiting example, the
retaining grooves 341 may be generally annular grooves axially
spaced from one another within the inner portion 336. The present
teachings, however, are not limited to the annular grooves. The
grooves 341 may be a plurality of notches formed around the
circumference of the inner portion 336. The notches may be formed
at predetermined angles, such as every 90 degrees along the inner
portion 336. As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the inner portion 336 may
include an upper groove 342 and a lower groove 343.
[0068] The hitch ball assembly 300 may include a pair of locking
members 374 of any appropriate configuration. The locking members
374 may be configured to engage with a hitch ball socket 312 or
more particularly at least one of the retaining grooves 341 formed
therein to engage and generally lock the hitch ball assembly 300
within the hitch ball socket 312. In some embodiments, the locking
members 374 may include a pair of ball bearings operatively engaged
with apertures 348 of the insert portion 324. In such embodiments,
the locking members 374 may be of a shape and size that they may
extend into and outward from the apertures 348. The locking members
378 may extend outward of the apertures 348 and into either of the
top or bottom retaining grooves 342, 343. The engagement of the
locking members 374 with either of the top or bottom retaining
grooves 342, 343 may generally prevent removal of the hitch ball
assembly 300 from the hitch ball socket 312. The locking members
374 may further extend within the apertures 348 generally releasing
the locking members 374 from engagement with either of the top or
bottom retaining grooves 342, 343. The hitch ball assembly 300 may
then be released from the hitch ball socket 312.
[0069] Further, the hitch ball assembly may include a plunger 356
and a second handle 400. The plunger 356 may operate substantially
similar to the plunger 356. Plunger 356, however, may have a cavity
358 formed therein. In such embodiments, the second handle 400 may
be operatively attached with the plunger 356. As shown, the cavity
358 may provide space for a user to insert his or her finger to
engage the second handle 400.
[0070] Operation of the hitch ball 300 may be substantially similar
to that described for the hitch ball 100. However, in such
embodiments when the hitch ball assembly 300 is in the stowed
position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 the locking members 374 may engage
the bottom retaining groove 343. When the hitch ball assembly is in
the operative position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the locking
members 374 may engage the top retaining groove 342. This may
retain the hitch ball assembly 300 in the appropriate position
relative to the socket 312.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, a hitch ball assembly 500 may have
a construction generally similar to that of the hitch ball assembly
100 or hitch ball assembly 300. The hitch ball assembly 500 may
include a ball member 516 and a body 520. The ball member 516 may
be shaped to receive a corresponding socket (not shown) of a towed
vehicle, such as a gooseneck coupler. The body 520 may include an
insert portion 524 of any appropriate shape or size, such as being
shaped for insertion into a hitch ball socket 512, as shown in
FIGS. 13-14.
[0072] The hitch ball socket 512 may include an inner portion 536
that may have a retaining groove 541 of any appropriate shape
formed therein. The hitch ball assembly 500 may also include a pair
of locking members 574 of any appropriate configuration. The
locking members 574 may be configured to engage with the retaining
groove 541 to engage and generally lock the hitch ball assembly 500
within the hitch ball socket 512. In some embodiments, the locking
members 574 may include a pair of ball bearings operatively engaged
with apertures 548 of the insert portion 524. The locking members
574 may extend within the apertures 548 generally releasing the
locking members 574 from engagement with the retaining groove 541.
The hitch ball assembly 500 may then be released from the hitch
ball socket 512.
[0073] Further, the hitch ball assembly may include a plunger 556
and a second handle 567. The plunger 556 may operate substantially
similar to the plunger 156 or plunger 356. The handle 567 may be
pivotally attached with the plunger 556. In such embodiments, when
the user desires to disengage or otherwise unlock the hitch ball
assembly 500 from the stowed position in FIGS. 13 and 14, the user
may pivot the handle 567 with respect to the plunger 556. As shown
in FIG. 15, the handle 567 may include a generally or at least
partially circular ring member 573. The ring member 573 may provide
a handle 567 that is easy to grasp for the user. The handle 567 may
further include a pin member 575 that pivotally attaches the handle
567 or more specifically, the ring member 573 with the plunger
556.
[0074] The handle 567 may pivot to a stored position as shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15. When a user desires to remove the hitch ball
assembly 500 from the stored position shown in FIG. 14, the user
may pivot the handle 567 with respect to the plunger 556. The ring
portion 573 may provide an easy gripping surface for the user to
operate the hitch ball assembly 500. Operation of the hitch ball
500 may be substantially similar to either or both of the hitch
ball 100 and hitch ball assembly 300.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 16-19, a hitch ball assembly 600 may have
a construction generally similar to that of the hitch ball assembly
100, 300 or 500. The hitch ball assembly 600 may include a ball
member 616 and a body 620. The ball member 616 may be shaped to
receive a corresponding socket (not shown) of a towed vehicle, such
as a gooseneck coupler. The body 620 may include an insert portion
624 of any appropriate shape or size, such as being shaped for
insertion into a hitch ball socket 612, as shown in FIGS.
16-19.
[0076] The hitch ball socket 612 may include an inner portion 636
that may have a retaining groove 641 of any appropriate shape
formed therein. The hitch ball assembly 600 may also include a pair
of locking members 674 of any appropriate configuration. The
locking members 674 may be configured to engage with the retaining
groove 641 to engage and generally lock the hitch ball assembly 600
within the hitch ball socket 612. In some embodiments, the locking
members 674 may include a pair of ball bearings operatively engaged
with apertures 648 of the insert portion 624. The locking members
674 may extend within the apertures 648 generally releasing the
locking members 674 from engagement with the retaining groove 641.
The hitch ball assembly 600 may then be released from the hitch
ball socket 612.
[0077] Further, the hitch ball assembly may include a plunger 656
and a second handle 667. The plunger 656 may operate substantially
similar to any one or any combination of the plungers 156, 356 and
556. The second handle 667 may be attached with the plunger 656 in
any appropriate manner, including, without limitation fastening,
welding or the like. In such embodiments, the second handle 667 may
be formed with the plunger 656 as a monolithic unit. The handle 667
may include a generally looped end 671. The looped end 671 may
include an aperture 673 configured to allow a user to insert his or
her finger through. The looped end 671 with the aperture 673 may
make it easier for a user to grasp.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a portion of the handle 667 may
extend upward from the socket 612. This may further make grasping
the handle 667 easier. In such embodiments, the user may insert his
or her finger into the aperture 673 and may push downward on the
handle 667 to release the locking mechanism 674 from engagement,
see FIG. 17.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the handle 667 may be of a
configuration that it may extend below a portion of the socket 612
when the hitch ball assembly 600 is in an operative position. The
handle 667 may be of a configuration that it does not generally
obstruct or otherwise get obstructed by the various components of
the towing vehicle positioned below the load bed.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 20-25, a hitch ball assembly 700 may have
a construction generally similar to that of the hitch ball assembly
100, 300, 500 or 600. The hitch ball assembly 700 may include a
ball member 716 and a body 720. The ball member 716 may be shaped
to receive a corresponding socket (not shown) of a towed vehicle,
such as a gooseneck coupler. The body 720 may include an insert
portion 724 of any appropriate shape or size, such as being shaped
for insertion into a hitch ball socket 712, as shown in FIGS.
20-25.
[0081] A hitch ball socket 712 of the embodiments shown in FIGS.
20-25 may include an inner portion 736 of any appropriate shape or
size, such as a curved or rounded shape, for example. The inner
portion 736 may include a groove 740 of any appropriate shape
formed therein. By way of a non-limiting example, the groove 740
may be a generally annular groove formed therein. The present
teachings, however, are not limited to an annular groove. The
groove 740 may be a plurality of notches formed around the
circumference of the inner portion 736. The notches may be formed
at predetermined angles, such as every 90 degrees along the inner
portion 736.
[0082] The insert portion 724 may also include a cavity 744. The
cavity 744 may be positioned at any appropriate location within the
insert portion 724. The cavity 744 may be of any appropriate shape
or size, such as a cylindrical shape, by way of a non-limiting
example. The cavity 744 may include at least one detent 747. As
shown, the cavity 744 may include a first and second detent 747,
750 respectively. The first detent 747 may be an annular drove
formed in the cavity 744 or may be a pair of detents 747 positioned
laterally from one another, such as by way of a non-limiting
example, 180 degrees from each other. The second detent 750 may
have a similar construction as the first detent 747. Specifically,
the second detent 750 may be an annular drove formed in the cavity
744 or may be a pair of detents 750 positioned laterally from one
another, such as by way of a non-limiting example, 180 degrees from
each other. In some embodiments, the first and second detent 747,
750 may be of different constructions. The present teachings are
not limited to a specific construction.
[0083] The hitch ball assembly 700 may also include a pair of
locking members 774 of any appropriate configuration. The locking
members 774 may be configured to engage with the retaining groove
741 to engage and generally lock the hitch ball assembly 700 within
the hitch ball socket 712. In some embodiments, the locking members
774 may include a pair of ball bearings operatively engaged with
apertures 748 of the insert portion 724. The locking members 774
may extend within the apertures 748 generally releasing the locking
members 774 from engagement with the retaining groove 741. The
hitch ball assembly 700 may then be released from the hitch ball
socket 712.
[0084] Further, the hitch ball assembly 700 may include a plunger
756. The plunger 756 may operate substantially similar to any one
or any combination of the plungers 156, 356, 556 and 656. The hitch
ball assembly 700 may also include a separate handle 767. As shown,
the separate handle 767 may be of a general scissor construction.
The handle 767 may include a body 768 and a leg 769. The leg 769
may be pivotally attached with the body 768. The body 768 may
include an engaging portion 771 configured to engage with at least
one of the first and second detents 747, 750. The leg 769 may
include an engaging portion 773 configured to engage with at least
one of the first and second detents 747, 750. As shown in FIGS.
20-25, the engaging portions 771, 773 may be configured to engage
with the first detents 747.
[0085] The handle 767 may include a plunger engaging portion 781
configured to engage with the plunger 756. In some embodiments, the
plunger engaging portion 781 may be positioned on the body 768 in
proximity to the engaging portion 771. The handle 767 may also
include a grasping portion 779. The grasping portion 779 may be of
a generally oval shape such that a user may insert his or her
fingers therein and grasping may be easily accomplished. The
present teachings, however, are not limited to this configuration.
Any appropriate configuration may be used without departing from
the present teachings.
[0086] When the hitch ball assembly 700 is in the stowed position,
the user may insert the handle 767 into the cavity 744 in the body
720 as shown in FIGS. 20-23. As the user inserts the handle 767,
the handle 767, or more specifically, the plunger engaging portion
781 may depress the plunger 756 in a generally downward direction
toward the ball member 716. As the plunger 756 moves downward, the
plunger 756 may disengage from the locking members 774. The locking
members 774 may disengage from the hitch ball socket 712, or more
specifically from the groove 740. Upon insertion of the handle 767,
the first and second engaging portion 771, 773 may operatively
engage with the first detent 747. This may operatively secure the
handle 767 with the hitch ball assembly 700, or more specifically,
with the insert portion 724. In some embodiments, the plunger 756
may be depressed until it engages with the second detent 750, which
may generally prevent the plunger 756 from moving further axially
downward. The user may then pull the handle 767 in an axial
direction away from the load bed 104 and lift the hitch ball
assembly 700 out of the hitch ball socket 712. Once the hitch ball
assembly 700 is removed from the socket 712, the user may disengage
the handle 767 from the hitch ball assembly 700 or more
specifically, from the detents 747. The user may pivot the leg 769
to so disengage the handle 767. The user may store the handle 767
in any appropriate location. The user may then invert the hitch
ball assembly 700 and insert it into the socket 712 with the ball
member 716 extending upward from the socket 712 in the operative
position as shown in FIG. 25.
[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the
foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments
disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of
numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without
departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as
follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the
equivalent thereof.
* * * * *